Sanctions imposed by the U.S. over Turkey's 2019 purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile system are significantly undermining Turkey’s defense plans, a new Lockheed Martin report reveals.
NORDIC MONITOR -- These measures, enacted under CAATSA, have disrupted joint projects, especially the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP), which co-produces T70 helicopters in partnership with Lockheed’s Sikorsky unit.
Though TUHP wasn’t directly sanctioned, broader restrictions on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) have caused delays and forced Lockheed Martin to suspend operations under a force majeure declaration as of October 2024. Only 22 helicopters have been produced so far, with plans for 218 more now at risk.
Originally, the project was expected to generate $1.5 billion in export revenue. However, sanctions have blocked necessary export licenses, threatening current and future contracts.
